Unlocking Reading Success: The Power of Multimodal Textbooks

Abstract

This study examines the impact of multimodal resources in an officially adopted English textbook on twelfth-grade students’ reading comprehension at SMA Negeri 1 Lubuklinggau. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combined quantitative data from pre- and post-tests with qualitative feedback from student questionnaires. The results showed a significant improvement in reading comprehension scores, with the mean increasing from 60.98 to 77.32. A paired-sample t-test yielded a t-value of 16.21 (p < 0.001), confirming that the integration of multimodal resources had a substantial positive effect. Students also reported heightened engagement and motivation due to the visually enriched content. These findings provide empirical evidence that multimodal textbooks not only enhance EFL learners’ comprehension but also foster more consistent learning progress, supporting their broader use in secondary education.